What Is Reincarnation?
Reincarnation is a religious belief in which a soul or spirit is reborn into another body after physical death. Most forms of reincarnation are based on the cycle of death and rebirth, in a different form, of the entire universe. In some religions, such as Buddhism and Hinduism, this cycle is ongoing and does not have an end.
Christian Beliefs on Reincarnation
Christianity does not traditionally practice the concept of reincarnation. It is not found in the Bible and is not believed to be a part of orthodox Christian thought. The belief in reincarnation is seen as incompatible with the Christian idea of salvation through Jesus Christ. The concept of reincarnation is contrary to the Christian teaching of having only one life with the eternal destination of Heaven or Hell. It is believed that God grants all people one single shot at life, and will judge each person at the end of life based on the choices they made in their lifetime.
Modern Views on Reincarnation
Some modern Christian churches have adopted the concept of reincarnation, including the United Church of Canada and the United Church of Christ. In these churches, it is seen as a way of expressing spiritual growth and development through multiple lifetimes. Other Christian new-age practices, such as Theosophy, also advocate for reincarnation as part of their belief systems.
Despite this, reincarnation is still not accepted by the majority of Christian denominations. Some Catholic and Protestant denominations even consider it heresy. The papacy in 1934 issued a warning stating that:
“Souls are not, properly speaking, transmitted from one body to another; rather, each soul is united with its own body which is recomposed after death.”
Biblical Perspectives on Reincarnation
According to the Bible, when a person dies, their soul goes to a place of final judgement. In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus mentions a place that is often interpreted as Hades or Sheol, the place of the dead where both the righteous and the wicked go. The Bible also mentions that the wicked will be raised up again (resurrected) to face judgement, while the righteous will dwell in Heaven.
This is seen as contradicting the concept of reincarnation, which states that a soul will be in multiple bodies over multiple lifetimes. This suggests that Christianity does not believe in the idea of reincarnation, as it does not consider an individual soul to be transferred from one body to another.
The Argument for and Against Reincarnation
Many Christian evangelists have spoken out against reincarnation and claimed it to be incompatible with their faith. Proponents of reincarnation argue that it is not necessarily incompatible with Christianity. They point out that Jesus made several references to the possibility of multiple lifetimes, such as when he said: “I tell you, hereafter you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming on the clouds of Heaven” (Matthew 26:64).
The debate over whether or not reincarnation was ever accepted by Christianity is ongoing. In any case, it cannot be denied that the majority of Christian denominations reject the concept of reincarnation, and it is not widely accepted as part of Christian belief.
Compelling Science behind Reincarnation
Over the years, an increasing number of scientific studies have been conducted to explore the concept of reincarnation and its effects. Some studies have found that certain individuals have claimed to have experienced past-life memories and have revealed past-life information for which there is no earthly explanation. It is believed that this could be evidence of reincarnation, although it is impossible to verify whether or not it is true.
Other studies have explored the effects of near death experiences on people, and found that some have experienced the sensation of ‘leaving the body’ and of travelling through a tunnel of light to a ‘place of love and peace’. Some believe this to be evidence of a ‘soul’ being reborn into a new body after death.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Reincarnation
Despite the ongoing debate and scientific exploration, it is important to remember that the concept of reincarnation remains a matter of faith and personal belief. Supporters of reincarnation often cite the concept as a way to explain the hardships of life, death, and the cycles of karma. Reincarnation is seen as rewarding those who live virtuously in one lifetime and punishing those who do not.
On the other hand, opponents of the concept point out that it could encourage a lack of motivation in the present life, as one might think that whatever negative actions are done in the present will be rectified in the next lifetime.
Additional Sources of Evidence
Others might argue that reincarnation is a valid concept, as there is some evidence to suggest cases of reincarnation from past times. An example of this is the Panchavimsha Brahmana (c. 1500 BC) which mentions the concept of reincarnation. However, it should be remembered that evidence such as this is often open to interpretation and debate, and should not be taken as hard proof.
Conclusion
Christianity does not formally accept the concept of reincarnation. It is seen as incompatible with the doctrines of the Christian faith, which includes the belief that all people have one single life with Heaven or Hell as the eternal destination. Some modern Christian churches and new-age practices have adopted the concept of reincarnation, although the majority of denominations remain opposed to it.
Despite the lack of hard proof to suggest the existence of reincarnation, people of all religions continue to consider it as a valid belief, with many citing its potential for rewarding good deeds and punishing bad deeds in a cycle of karma. For now, the debate over the concept of reincarnation and whether it is compatible with Christianity will continue.
